If you're looking for a simple and wholesome bread recipe, Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread might be just what you need. This rustic bread is made with 100% whole wheat flour, which adds a nutty and earthy flavor.
With a crisp crust and a tender crumb, this bread is perfect for breakfast with some butter and marmalade or for enjoying a hearty stew for a satisfying and comforting meal.
This recipe is quick and easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal kneading. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and hearty Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread.😉
How to Make Whole Wheat Irish Bread
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it and flour it. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large bowl.
Cut in butter using a pastry blender or a fork until it reaches a coarse meal consistency. Whisk together buttermilk, molasses, zest, and egg separately.
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the buttermilk mixture; using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough clumps and becomes shaggy. Add the raisins and stir until incorporated.*(The Dough will be a bit sticky.) Turn out onto the floured surface.
With well-floured hands working quickly, gently press and fold the dough about 4 to 5 times *(try not to knead or squeeze it), then form it into a round loaf.
Transfer the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread onto the prepared baking sheet, lightly sprinkle flour on top, and generously sprinkle the raw sugar over it.*(The loaf should be about 8” in diameter and 1-½” high). Slash with a sharp knife to make a cross on top.
Bake the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread at 375 °F for 45 to 55 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown.* The bread's interior should measure 180° on an instant-read thermometer, or you can insert a long, thin skewer into the center.
If it comes out clean, it's done.
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📖 Recipe
Easy Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
- 4 cups 100% whole wheat flour , spooned and leveled off with the back of a knife ( plus more for your hands and the counter)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter , cut into ½ inch pieces
- 1 egg , lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoon molasses , honey, or brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins or 1 cup currants , optional
- Zest of 1 orange , optional
- 1 1 ⁄4 to 1 13/4 cups buttermilk or plain yogurt (as needed).
- 2 tablespoons turbinado raw sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F.Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking sheet and flour it.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut in butter until it reaches a coarse meal consistency.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, molasses, zest, and egg. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture, and add the buttermilk mixture; using a wooden spoon, stir until the dough begins to clump and become shaggy. Add the raisins and stir just until incorporated.*(Dough will be a bit sticky)
- Turn out onto the floured surface. With well-floured hands and working quickly, gently press and fold the dough about 4 to 5 times *(try not to knead or squeeze the dough), then form it into a round loaf.
- Transfer the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread onto the prepared baking sheet, and lightly sprinkle flour on top, then sprinkle the raw sugar generously over it.*(Loaf should be about 8” in diameter and 1-½” high).
- Slash with a sharp knife to make a cross on top. Bake the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread for 375 °F for 45 to 55 minutes or until the loaf is golden brown.*The bread's interior should measure 180° on an instant-read thermometer, or you can insert a long thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done.
Notes
- If the top of the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread is getting too dark while baking, tent the bread with aluminum foil.
- This is optional; to help plump raisins or currents before baking, place them in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, drain, pat them dry, and use.
- Try adding dried cherries, chopped dates or nuts, etc.
- Do not over-knead or add too much flour, or you will end up with dry, hard bread.
- Here's a cool trick, when you tap the Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread, it will have a hollow sound when it is ready.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
